2

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. oren arnold

3

facts of the season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

less is more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

ideas : play in the snow . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ideas : bake some cookies . . . . . . . . . . 12

ideas : hand make cards . . . . . . . . . . . 17

ideas : make ornaments . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

ideas : find hopeful gifts . . . . . . . . . . 26

ideas : support a cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4

WHaT IS THe TrUe MeanInG oF THe SeaSon

87% – believe holidays should be more about caring

for others, not gifts.

79% – do not believe it’s necessary to spend of money

in order to have a fulfilling holiday.

WHaT IS THe TrUTH oF THe SeaSon

$457.4 billion – the amount america spend each year.

$791 – the amount each consumer spends

• $451.34 – amount spent on family.

• $99.22 – amount spent on himself or herself.

• $85.60 – amount spent on friends.

• $22.40 – amount spent on co-workers.

• $44.52 – amount spent on clergy and teachers

• $30.57 – amount spent on greeting cards and postage.

facts of the season

5

1 . bUy one leSS GIFT THan USUal

we are not saying that you stop

buying gifts all together or give

away all your money- maybe just

buy one less gift or spend just a

little less money than last year.

2 . Spend TIMe WITH loved oneS

instead of waiting in a check out

line or in a traffic jam : spend more

quality time with your loved ones

and create special memories that

don’t cost a dime.

3 . GIve To SoMeTHInG GreaTer

there is nothing better than giving

to someone who can not ever give

anything back to you. find a cause

that inspires you and your family

and support that organization.

less is more

6

play In THe SnoW!well it doesn’t techinically have to be in the snow- but just spend time with family and friends. build

snowmans, go out for dinners, invite them over for dinners, go christmas caroling, spend time together.

ideas : play in the snow

7

leT IT SnoW, leT IS SnoW, leT IT SnoW Let’s just list some classic snow games and activities. We won’t pretend they are not

unique or new, but its a nice reminder of all the great activites we can do in the snow!

• make a snow angel • take photos of the snow

• build a snow man • put out bird feed or a feeder

• build a snow fort • go snowshoeing

• have a snow ball fight • decorate trees or bushes

• go ice skating • go sledding/tobogganing

8

a lITTle HolIday coMpeTITIonThere are some special made board games inspired by the

Christmas season, but you can pull out any family favorite games. There are plenty of “Christmas” editions out there (such as

“A Christmas Story” Monopoly) which can really bring out the cheer and joy of well known games.

Of course, its all about the quality time together- so don’t feel pressure to go out and purchase a Christmas themed game- so just

have a lot of fun with your friends and family.

9

In HoMe MovIe THeaTerSit down around the tv with friends and family and watch some holiday classics.

Turn off the light, curl up under a blanket, and watch the movie like you are in your own personal movie theater.

• A Christmas Story • White Christmas

• It’s a Wonderful Life • The Grinch

• A Christmas Carol • Miracle on 34th Street

• Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation • Home Alone

10

paSS THe popcornWhile sitting watching movies with friends and family pop some

popcorn- and be sure to pop extra popcorn to make popcorn and carnberry garland. A classic Christmas tradition that is not seen often

anymore, but still a lot of fun and very festive.

11

STarT a TradITIonMake something other than the gifts under the tree important and

value it- whatever it might be make it important and a key part of your Christmas tradition. Whether you are roasting chestnuts, decorating the tree with the entire family, baking Christmas cookies, readying a special

poem or story every year, make it important. Never let go of it.

12

bake SoMe cookIeS!whether you feel like a “good” cook or not - baking

cookies is always a blast especially when you are doing it with friends and family. plus, cookies make great gifts

for teachers, neighbors, pastors, and coworkers!

ideas : bake some cookies

13

MexIcan WeddInG cakeS powdered sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup vanilla 2 tsp all-pupose flour 2 cups finely chopped almonds or pecans 1 cup salt 1/4 tsp extra powdered sugar

Pre-heat oven to 325 F. In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla. Blend well. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together. Shape into

1-inch balls. Place inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 15-20 minutes until set but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets. Cool slightly and roll in

powdered sugar. Cool completely and reroll in powdered sugar.

14

aMISH GInGer cookIeS all-purpose flour 2½ cups ground ginger 1 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp baking soda 1½ tsp white or colored sanding sugar, for decorating

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and molasses; beat until combined. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the extra granulated sugar. Place balls

on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 7 - 9 minutes until barely turning brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet and then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

butter, softened ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 cup egg 1 unsulfured molasses ¼ cup

15

MUddy bUddIeS Chex cereal 9 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup creamy peanut butter ½ cup butter/margarine ¼ cup vanilla extract 1 tsp powdered sugar 1½ cups

Place cereal in large bowl. Place chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in high for 1 1/2 minutes or until mixture is smooth

when stirred. Stir in vanilla. Pour chocolage mixture over cereal, stirring until all pieces are evenly coated. Pour mixture into large plastic bag with powdered sugar; shake until

all pieces are coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Makes about 9 cups.

16

SnIckerdoodleS butter/shortening 1 cup granulated sugar 1½ cups large eggs 1 all-purpose flour 2¾ cups cream of tartar 2 tsps baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon and sugar mixed to taste

Preheat oven to 400F. Mix together butter and sugar until smooth, then add eggs, cream of tartar, and baking soda. Stir in flour until well mixed. Roll into balls about 1” in diameter and roll in cinnamon and sugar to coat. Place on ungreased cookie sheets and

bake 8-10 minutes. Cookies are done when they are just barely browning.

17

cHocolaTe cHIp SandWIcHeS cookies: shortening ½ cup sugar 1 cup egg 1 all-purpose flour 1½ cups vanilla extract 1 tsp cocoa ⅓ cup baking soda ½ tsp salt ½ tsp milk ¼ cup

filling: butter/margarine 2 tbl shortening 2 tbl marshmallow creme ½ cup powdered sugar ⅔ cup vanilla extract ¾ tsp

18

cHocolaTe cHIp SandWIcHeS conT .cookies:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixer bowl, beat shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt: add alternately

with milk to shortening mixture, beating until mixture is well blended. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 11 minutes or just until cookies

are soft-set (do not overbake). Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Spread bottom of one cookie with about 1 tablespoon of Creme Filling; cover

with another cookie.

filling:In small mixer bowl, beat butter and shortening until blended. Gradually beat in

marshmallow creme. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat to spreading consistency.

19

creaM WaFerS cookies: butter 1 cup whipping cream ⅓ cup flour 2 cups

filling: softened butter ¼ cup powdered sugar ¾ cup egg yolk 1 vanilla 1 tsp red and green food coloring

20

creaM WaFerS conT .Mix above together and chill for one hour. Heat oven to 375 deg. and put 1/2 c sugar

onto wax paper. Roll dough out to 1/8” and cut into 1 1/2 in rounds. Transfer cutouts to sugar coated wax paper, coating both sides with sugar. Prick each round 4 times with a

fork before baking for 7-9 min.

When cookies have cooled, make the filling. Divide frosting into two containers and add red and green food coloring. Put frosting between two cookies and enjoy!

21

Hand Make cardS!have old buttons, ribbons, scraps of cloth, or even old

wrapping paper? handmade cards always give anything a more personal touch- plus its a great way to get

children involved and excited about sending cards.

ideas : hand make cards

22

a SIMple preSenTsuper simple. incredibly easy. very cute.

• just a piece of ribbon tied into a bow• with a simple bright piece of paper cut into a square

• glue it all down to a piece of cardstock

source found here: curbly.com

23

o’ cHrISTMaS Tree

• cut up thin pieces of colorful paper or wrapping paper • make sure the pieces of incremental lengths

• cut out another longer length from less colorful paper for the trunk• cut out a big star for the topper

• glue it all down to the shape of a christmas tree

source found here: curbly.com

24

HolIday WreaTH

• cut out as many different size circles from different types of paper • arrange them down into a circle on the card

• once it is laid out- glue it down• tie a piece of ribbon into a bow- glue it to the top of the wreath

source found here: curbly.com

25

Make ornaMenTS!have any more old buttons, ribbons, scraps of cloth, or

little knick-knacks? it maybe a gift that people only get out and use once a year- but these are gifts that people

cherish and inspires christmas cheer and again its a wonderful way to spend quality with family and friends

and put more thought and time into your gifts.

ideas : make ornaments

26

yarn candy cane

1. Take one string of yarn and snip the loop at each end so you have two bunches; repeat with the color. Then take the red and white piece and tie them together

into a single knot around the end of a pipe cleaner. 2. To make the stripes, twist the two colors around the pipe cleaner and knot the ends together around the other end. Trim the yarn at both ends and trim the pipe

cleaner if need be.3. Bend into a candy cane shape and adorn with a ribbon bow.

source found here: family.go.com

• red yarn and white yarn• scissors

• pipe cleaners• ribbon

27

danGlInG SnoWMan

1. Using the round objects as patterns, cut out 2 white foam circles in each size.

2. Space one set of the foam circles 1/4 inch apart. With glue dots, glue a piece of string across the circles as shown, then firmly press the matching circles on top.

3. Use glue dots to attach buttons and an orange craft foam nose. With a permanent marker, draw on eyes and a mouth. Tie a ribbon scarf around the string

at the neck, and a knot the line above the head to create the loop for hanging.

source found here: family.go.com

• 3 round objects (e.g. lids or cups)• scissors

• craft foam, white and orange• glue dots

• string• buttons

• permanent marker• ribbon

28

doWnHIll SkIerS

1. To make a set of skis, first use glue to attach 2 emery boards an inch or so from the ends of 2 colored craft sticks, then glue the sticks together as shown.

2. For the pole, glue a small button onto one end of a toothpick and a round bead to the other end for a handle.

3. Glue the poles to the skis, tie a ribbon around the set, and tie on a string loop for hanging.

source found here: family.go.com

• craft stick• emery board

• glue

• toothpick• beads

• ribbon

29

SIzzlInG SnoWboard

1. For a flashy snowboard, attach pieces of colored tape to a colored jumbo craft stick (available at craft stores), as shown at top.

2. Next, cut 2 small foot shapes out of craft foam. Wrap pieces of decorative cord around them for bindings, then glue them to the top of the board.

3. Finally, tie or glue on a length of string for a hanger.

source found here: family.go.com

• craft stick• craft foam

• cord

• glue• string

• colored tape

30

FInd HopeFUl GIFTS!marvelous organizations exist that are giving people

in other countries a solid income and a more positive standard of living- from everything to fancy, unique

flip-flops, gorgeous recycled beads for necklaces and bracelets. there are also organizations that encourage

sustainable, recycled gifts all over the internet.

ideas : find hopeful gifts

31

bead For lIFe

These are beautiful beads rolled out of recycled paper. The paper is rolled by women in Uganda and are made into gorgeous bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The sales go to the women giving them an

income and hope.

“BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful

beads, and people who care open their hearts,homes and communities to buy and sell the beads.

The beads thus become income, food, medicine, school fees and hope. It is a small miracle that enriches us all.”

www.beadforlife.org

32

SSeko deSIGnSThese are fun and unique sandals that are customizable with many

different options for the straps. You can order them in satin “wedding” colors or just from the many different simple options available. Plus, the sandals are being made by young women in Uganda who are working to

continue their education and brighten their future.

“Sseko Designs is a not-just-for-profit enterprise that recognizes the power of business and responsible consumerism to support sustainable

economic development, which in turn affects a country’s educational, justice, and health care systems. The goal of Sseko Designs is two-fold:

provide university tuition for these promising young women through a sustainable monthly income, while also contributing to the overall

economic development of Uganda.”

www.ssekodesigns.com

33

Global GIrlFrIendThis is an amazing orgnaizations with a multitude of items from clothing to

jewelry to soap, and they have an amazing attitude.

“Women Made : We know that economic opportunities for women holds the promise for real change because with a sustainable income over time, a

woman invests in her family’s health and education -- things that really help break the cycle of poverty.

Fair Trade : We also know that for women to thrive, those opportunities must reflect fair working conditions, many times non-traditional ones like working

from home, and access to resources that provide a gateway into the global economy.”

www.globalgirlfriend.com

34

TerracycleThis company takes trash and turns it into funky and fun items such as bags,

folders, billboards, and much more.

“TerraCycle makes affordable, eco-friendly products from a wide range of different non-recyclable waste materials. With over 50 products available at

major retailers like Walmart, Target, The Home Depot, OfficeMax, Petco and Whole Foods Market, TerraCycle is one of the fastest growing eco-friendly manufacturers in the world. Our hope is to eliminate the idea of waste by

finding innovative, unique uses for materials others deem garbage.”

www.terracycle.net

35

SUpporT a caUSe!spreading the christmas joy and spirit can go far

beyond your own aquaintances, friends, and family. find a cause in need that you feel strongly about and give money and even time to it. it doesn’t have to be

much, but giving to something or something that can’t give back is a great way to feel your own joy.

ideas : support a cause

36

SaMarITanS pUrSeThis organization is wide spread with causes that stretch from supplying

clean water to supplying medical relief to people sufering from HIV/AIDS. They depend on the donations and support from volunteers.

“Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around

the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with

the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.”

www.samaritanspurse.org

37

operaTIon cHrISTMaS cHIldThis is a great way to involve children in donating time and get them excited about giving to others. This organization asks for families to

choose a boy or a girl and a certain age group and then packing a shoe box full of toys and useful items (socks, toothbrushes, etc.). The shoe box

is then sent to children who are in need.

• division of Samaritan’s Purse.

www.samaritanspurse.org

38

adopT a peTThinking about giving a puppy or kitten to a child for Christmas? Maybe think

about the issues facing the booming pet population ... maybe instead of going to a pet store or a breeder- maybe find a pet in need of adoption.

“Adopt-a-Pet.com is a non-profit pet adoption charity that helps shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to adopters for free. We’re all about getting homeless pets into homes. We use the power of TV, the Internet and a toll-free phone number to

connect adopters with shelter pets and help pets go from alone to adopted. We’re working to help the good people at shelters and rescue groups find homes for

their pets.”

www.adoptapet.com

39

SalvaTIon arMy bellSWe all see the ringing bells with the red buckets at the doors of the stores we

walk into every Christmas. Why not make a mindful effort to give a little when you walk by- or even hand the money to a child you are with or even maybe a child

walking by (just be careful of course to not scare the child or their parents). It is a great way to be open to the fact of giving your money away to others.

“The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing.The traditional red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas

scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless, in keeping with the spirit of the season.”

www.salvationarmyusa.org

40

anGel TreeThis organization reaches out to children in difficult situations with parents in

prison. It brings Christmas to those children and helps them through what would be a very difficult time without parents.

“Every child has a story. For 1.5 million American children, that story is filled with the abandonment, loneliness, and shame that comes from having a mom or dad in prison. At Angel Tree, we find ways to reach out to these children, by sharing

Christ’s love with them at Christmas and by developing year-round relationships. In the end, it’s so much more than giving Christmas gifts-it’s about restoring

families.”

www.angeltree.org

41

aMerIcan cancer SocIeTyIn a season praised for its hope and joy, why not focus on hope and donate to a

cause in honor of those fighting cancer. It can even be in honor of a loved one who is fighting or fought cancer.

“The mission of the American Cancer Society is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Because cancer is a global health problem, this mission extends

around the world. Cancer is increasing as a leading killer globally, especially in the developing world. We fight cancer through a variety of cancer and tobacco control

programs and activities.”

www.cancer.org

42

Hope • joy • peaceChristmas has always been one of my favorite times of year. I grew up in a

strong, huge family with a lot of traditions. I moved from my tiny home town to the big city- worked a retail job and was realized the horrors of black friday and

the stress of the season. The overwhelming pressure to buy more and more.

I thought about what Christmas meant to me and how crazy it felt. But I think it can still be a joyful, happy season without the hussle and the stress and can bring good. We just need to remember what the spirit of the season is about.

So this pamphlet was put together- and there are many more options out there not in this pamphlet. So this is in hopes of a better Christmas and a greater

perspective. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

ideas : find hopeful gifts